Tasveer fest celebrates South Asian women

Tasveer, a nonprofit organization that brings independent and progressive South Asian films and artists to the Pacific Northwest, will present the 9th Aaina, a South Asian Women’s festival, at the Seattle Asian Art Museum on April 25–April 27.

One of the highlights of Aaina is “Yoni Ki Baat,” a South Asian adaptation of “The Vagina Monologues.” The play, co-directed by Alpa Dave and Rumela Ganguly, is a collection of frank, authentic, bold, and powerful stories that are sourced, written, and narrated by local South Asian women. It has sparked dialogue about shame, sex, abuse, identity, and love for the past nine years.

This year’s guest of honor is newly elected councilmember Kshama Sawant, who will attend the Saturday night performance. Sunday’s performance will be attended by journalist Sarah Stuteville, who covers a weekly column on the Pacific Northwest’s international connections that is shared by Seattle Globalist and The Seattle Times.

The festival will also include Gupshup, showcasing the paintings, sketches, and glassworks of local artists, “Youth Voices,” and a “Community Speaks” forum. On Saturday evening, there will be a wine and cheese reception. (end)